Is Sullivan's Island increasing efforts to curb alcohol on beach during July 4th weekend?

Monday, July 1, 2013

A rumor that Sullivan’s Island will drastically increase its efforts to curb alcohol use on the beach is not true – at least one part of it.

While the island is committed to eliminating drinking alcohol on the beach – as it has always been – the rumor was that Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Andy Benke said state troopers would be conducting sobriety tests and stopping every fourth car at a checkpoint near Breech Inlet.

Benke said he is aware of the report. “I can tell you there has been no lunch meeting with me to discuss the matter with anyone,” he noted in a statement to the Moultrie News. Although Benke’s name may have been falsely tagged with that checkpoint information, the stops have neither been dispelled nor confirmed. “Sorry, not at liberty to discuss operational tactics of the police,” Benke added. “But, traffic checks, plain-clothes officers on the beach and increase enforcement are all options.”

Benke did note that drinking is becoming an issue on the beach. “The beach at Sullivan’s Island is family oriented in a single-family residential community. The law codified over 20 years ago is clear: no alcohol, open or closed container, is permitted on the beach or beach path at Sullivan’s Island,” he said. “The preference of the town is compliance with the law over enforcement.”

Fines for alcohol and glass containers are $1,040.

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